Mom upset after Dover Middle School confiscates American flag from autistic child, citing sharp point

Thursday

Sep 15, 2011 at 3:15 AMSep 15, 2011 at 8:57 AM

By Laurenne Ramsdelllramsdell@fosters.com

DOVER — An autistic middle school student had his miniature American flag confiscated by school officials Wednesday morning, as they claimed its pointed top could have caused harm to other students.

Theresa Stevens told Foster's her 12-year-old son, Shawn, had brought the flag to school to show his classmates after receiving it as a gift from a family friend whose son was recently deployed to Afghanistan.

"He's proud of it," said Stevens of the 12-inch symbol of patriotism. "He just wanted to show everybody he's proud to be an American."

Stevens said she received a call from a school official informing her that Shawn's flag had been taken from him as its pointed end could have been used as a weapon.

"This school lets students carry around compasses with pointed ends and sharp pencils, and because those are considered school things they're OK, but an American flag is considered a weapon?" Stevens questioned. "This just isn't right."

Middle school Co-Principal Kimberly Lyndes said the staff member who took Shawn's flag did so based on a judgment call as to whether it would become a problem to allow the boy to keep it in his possession.

"The concern was that it was pointy, and not the fact that it was a flag," said Lyndes. "This was not a disciplinary situation or about patriotism. It was a concern for safety."

Lyndes said she understood the flag held special meaning to Shawn, but stood by the staff member's decision to confiscate it as a precautionary measure.

Video by EJ Hersom/Staff photographer

Stevens said she was horrified when she received a call from school officials to notify her that Shawn's flag was being held and that she could have an adult pick it up if she wanted.

"He's autistic, so to him he thinks he's done something completely wrong," said Stevens. "My concern is how my son is feeling after all of this."

Lyndes said she explained to Shawn why the pint-sized star-spangled banner was taken from him and that he understood.

Stevens said her ex-husband went to the school to claim the flag and that it would be back in Shawn's possession Wednesday when he got home from school.

"I just want him to know he did absolutely nothing wrong," said the concerned mother. "There's nothing wrong with being proud to be an American and carrying a flag."

When Shawn was asked why he brought the flag to school, he told Foster's he was trying to rebuild patriotism.

"You don't have to die for your country, you just have to support it," he said.

Stevens said she has an Individualized Education Plan meeting next week with the teachers, paraprofessionals and director of special education services who work with her son. Stevens said she will most definitely discuss Wednesday's incident with those individuals.